I am working diligently on studying and learning more about herbalism, using a correspondence course binder full of lessons, that A. has allowed me to peruse. Each day I look at two or three more writing each down in my journal and drawing pictures to go with it. It is cooler today and windy, so there are no bugs on the porch, and I sit in quiet contemplation for a couple of hours, reading, meditating, watching the wind blowing the birch and pine. I am at first annoyed by a loud buzzing sound which I take to be ATV’s in the woods, but soon discover instead a ruby throated hummingbird, and later a grey throated female, which he promptly chases off, he visits the lavender Hosta flowers several times as I sit in the cloud filtered sunlight. On a quest for golden seal, I have to ask her daughter to show me the fairy garden, where Lady’s Slipper and the herb I am looking for grow, though not with a great deal of lushness. The last several dry days perhaps have not been good to these shade loving wooded plants. I tell her, since we are out here, take me up to the glamping sight. Glamping being glamorous camping, as if there is such a thing.
On the way up I spot this toadstool.
And then the tent in the woods, looks ordinary on its raised platform, but it is not until I open the tent that I am visibly impressed. Heavenly.
As her daughter is using the battery operated air pump to make the bed harder, for a future stay, which I am now keen for, I explore the patchy sunlight around the sight, where I discover this plant.
Oh!
I remember a walk up the mountain behind my grandparents’ house, my grandfather leading the hunt, my brother and I behind him, and my father behind us. He bent down and handed us a stick which was mildly flavored of what to me was Lifesavers candy, but to him, was this wild plant. I pluck a leaf and crush it in my fingers, yes, the fine mild scent of wintergreen.
My friend is excited at this find, another medicinal plant right at her finger tips.
